According to TMZ, paramedics were unable to revive the musician after they were called to his Los Angeles-area home. They reported that when paramedics arrived on the scene, Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

His friend Uri Geller paid tribute to the singer saying: “Like the whole world I am devastated and lost for words. I still can’t believe it, I reviewed half of Michael’s new album, I can’t believe what I am hearing. He was just rehearsing, looking forward to his gig in Britain. At the moment I am just trying to contact his family.”

A spokesperson for the singer told NME.COM they had “no comment at this time”. Jackson was due to undertake a residency at the O2 Arena in London next month.

NME.COM understands that fans are staging a tribute to Jackson at Trafalgar Square in London tonight.